Thursday, December 21 [Jehovah’s] mercy is evident in all his works.​—Ps. 145:9.

[Áine]

Thursday, December 21

[Jehovah’s] mercy is evident in all his works.—Ps. 145:9.

 

When we think of a merciful person, we may picture someone who is kind, warmhearted, compassionate, and generous. The story Jesus told about the neighborly Samaritan may come to mind. That man of another nation “acted mercifully toward” a Jew who had fallen among thieves. The Samaritan “was moved with pity” for the injured Jew and lovingly arranged for his care. (Luke 10:29-37) This illustration highlights a beautiful quality of our God—mercy. That quality is a facet of God’s love, and he displays it each day in the way that he deals with us. There is another aspect of mercy that may come to mind. It involves holding back punishment when there is a basis for doing so. In that sense, Jehovah has certainly been merciful toward us. “He has not dealt with us according to our sins,” the psalmist said. (Ps. 103:10) At other times, though, Jehovah may provide firm discipline to an erring one. w21.10 8 ¶1-2